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CC - ACTION ITEM: (1) Consideration of a Recommendation from the Cultural Affairs Commission Regarding a Temporary Art Project by Artist Laureate Katy Krantz for the Former Gun Store Building at 11029 Washington Blvd.; and, (2) If Desired, Approve an Amendment to the Existing Agreement with Katy Krantz in An Amount Not-to-Exceed $14,000.
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Meeting Date: December 11, 2023
Contact Person/Dept: B. Christine Byers and Sam Lee / City Manager - Office of Economic & Cultural Development
Phone Number: (310) 253-6003
(310) 253-6001
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Attachments: Yes [X] No []
Commission Action Required: Yes [X] No [] Date: November 21, 2023
Commission Name: Cultural Affairs Commission
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council
(12/05/2023)
Department Approval: Jesse Mays, Assistant City Manager (12/04/2023)
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council (1) consider a recommendation from the Cultural Affairs Commission regarding a temporary art project by Artist Laureate Katy Krantz for the former gun store building at 11029 Washington Blvd.; and, (2) if desired, approve an amendment to the existing agreement with Katy Krantz in an amount not-to-exceed $14,000.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
On September 11, 2023, the City Council passed a motion authorizing the City to move forward with the purchase of the property at 11029 Washington Blvd. that had been operating as a gun store for more than 60 years. The Council’s motion included direction to ensure there would be community involvement in plans for the building and to repaint the building as soon as the City assumes control of the property. The future of the site is currently undetermined, and the public input process will begin in 2024. At this time, staff anticipates that the building will remain standing through next year.
During public comment at the October 17, 2023 Cultural Affairs Commission (CAC) meeting, Artist Laureate Katy Krantz provided a brief overview of a temporary art concept for the building. The CAC gave unanimous consensus to have the item brought forward at the next regular meeting for further consideration.
Per the attached proposal, the concept is in two phases:
• Phase I: This phase would be implemented beginning in January 2024 and focuses on the power of words and signage. With community input, new words and graphics would be painted on the building in the same font styles and approximate locations as those of the former gun store. For example, “Guns” could become “Hugs” and “Knives” would come “Friend”. A brighter color palette, similar to what is included in the attached renderings, would be used but a visual link to the history of the building would be retained.
• Phase II: A potential second phase that would commence in the spring/early summer of 2024 that focuses on the five trapezoidal “frames” on the building.
Staff and the CAC Artist Laureate Subcommittee (Tania Fleischer and Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin) met with Katy Krantz on November 10, 2023. The subcommittee supported the proposal.
Estimated costs for labor, paint and brushes, and a lift for Phase I are between $13,000 - $14,000. Separately, the City will be hiring a professional painting company to prep and repaint the building. A contingency is being added to that contract to cover the labor associated with painting the color block sections as shown in the attached renderings as well as apply an anti-graffiti coating should the City Council approve Ms. Krantz’s concept. (Katy Krantz is coordinating with staff on type of paint and colors for the building so that it would serve as neutral backdrop and foundation for a mural project.) The cost for repainting the building in a neutral color would come from the General Fund. Staff and the CAC support the costs for paint and other supplies for Ms. Krantz’s portion of the project to come from the Cultural Trust Fund (Fund 413) from Temporary Art Displays and Exhibits (PZ676) and not from the remainder of the Artist Laureate materials stipend (total of $10,000 for the two-year term). This project was unanticipated at the time Ms. Krantz was appointed as Artist Laureate and the costs would not allow her to complete the Dear Culver City …. ceramics project in process since the summer as well as pay for Phase I of the mural project for the former gun store. Ms. Krantz presented the concept to Culver Arts at their meeting on November 15, 2023, and they may support up to $1,500 for out-of-pocket expenses and stipends for the LATTC students assisting with the project.
The CAC considered the information provided by Ms. Krantz together with a recommendation by the Artist Laureate Subcommittee at their meeting on November 21, 2023. Ms. Krantz outlined the possibility of a memorial to victims of gun violence as part of the project. The CAC suggested that perhaps a memorial could be created that could then be moved elsewhere if the building were demolished. The CAC voted to support Phase I and asked that Phase II, including a possible memorial, be brought back for consideration and a separate recommendation to the City Council.
Ms. Krantz proposes beginning the project in January 2024 and weather permitting, having it be completed no later than end of February 2024.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 includes sufficient funding for the costs associated with repainting the building at 11029 Washington Blvd. and labor costs for the larger color blocks shown in the attached rendering as well as application of an anti-graffiti coating over the entire building in General Fund Account No. 10160230.619800 (Public Works Building Maintenance - Other Contractual Services). Costs for the amendment to the agreement with Ms. Krantz and possibly costs for some assistance from LATTC for Phase I would come from Fund 413 (Cultural Arts Fund), Temporary Art Displays and Exhibits (PZ676). There would be additional staff time to coordinate and oversee completion of the project.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 23-12-11_ATT_Mural Proposal Dated 11/13/23
MOTIONS
That the City Council:
1. Consider a recommendation from the Cultural Affairs Commission regarding a temporary art project by Artist Laureate Katy Krantz for the former gun store building at 11029 Washington Blvd and, if desired, approve Phase I of a temporary art project by Artist Laureate Katy Krantz for the former gun store at 11029 Washington Blvd.;
2. Approve an amendment to the existing Agreement with Katy Krantz in an amount not-to-exceed $14,000;
3. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents; and
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City.